Julian Edelman shares thoughts on Tom Brady’s departure for first time
By Alex Barth, 985TheSportsHub.com
Julian Edelman isn’t going to dwell on the past. Not while there’s work to be done.
Speaking with the media Monday morning for the first time since Tom Brady’s departure in March, Edelman shared his thoughts on losing the only starting QB he’s had throw him the ball in the NFL.
“You’ve got to move on and understand that this is a business,” Edelman said. “You wish him well, and that’s when you instantly start thinking about what you have to do to prepare yourself to go out and contribute and help the team for the upcoming year.”
Edelman emphasized that the way forward for the Patriots is to not make Brady’s absence about Brady, but instead focus on those who are currently in the building.
Oct 27, 2019; Foxborough, MA, USA; New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady (12) celebrates with wide receiver Julian Edelman (11) after a touchdown during the first half against the Cleveland Browns at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Greg M. Cooper-USA TODAY Sports
“Obviously, yeah, we played a lot of ball together,” the 34-year-old receiver remarked. “I love him to death but the train keeps moving, as it will when I’m not playing here or something. I mean, it just always keeps going. We’ve got to worry about the people that we have here, and try to prepare ourselves the best we can with the situation that we’re in.”
That sentiment was echoed later on, when Edelman was asked how Brady’s passion for the game had rubbed off on him over the years.
“There’s a lot of guys who are passionate for football,” Edelman answered. “Of course Tom has a passion that’s a very big one, but he’s moved on and he’s somewhere else and we’re worried about the passion of the players that are on this team right now. I can tell you right now there’s a lot of guys that are very passionate and very hungry and it’s going to be an opportunity to go out and play football.”
Jan 20, 2019; Kansas City, MO, USA; New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady (12) celebrates with Patriots wide receiver Julian Edelman (11) during the second half of the AFC Championship game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jay Biggerstaff-USA TODAY Sports
Edelman concluded by pointing out that letting Brady’s status impact how they handle his absence can only impact the Patriots if they let it.
“Every year there’s new change on all teams with coaches, players. I know it’s definitely very different when someone’s played here so long but you’ve gotta move on. We’re worried about the guys that are in here.”
For Edelman, moving on means trying to build a chemistry with the Patriots new quarterback that replicates what he had in Brady. The 2009 seventh-round pick caught more passes from Brady (1,036) than any other player, and is the only guys to be targeted over 1,000 times by Brady. His 41 touchdowns are second most behind only Rob Gronkowski. (All numbers regular and postseason)